It took five days for Raye and the others to finally reach their destination.
And right now, they stood in front of the entrance of the Rose Village.
It was a simple wooden arch, sturdy but elegant, with the village's na written clearly on a plank. Red roses twisted around the beams of the arch, climbing along the wood, their petals brushing slightly against one another in the gentle wind.
The sunlight caught the dew still lingering on the petals, making them glimr faintly.
"..."
Raye just looked at the entrance for a while. He took a slow breath, letting himself absorb the quiet beauty of the village before him.
'This is interesting, I've never been in this place when I was playing the ga.'
He thought to himself, silently noting every detail. The Rose Village was not part of the ga's story, so everything he saw felt fresh, unexpected, and almost magical. He wondered how many hidden details like this existed in the world beyond the ga's script.
Raye shifted his attention toward Jerusha and the others. They were quietly looking around, taking in the small houses, the cobblestone path, and the occasional flutter of birds. Even after five days of travel, their curiosity shone through tired expressions.
"Let's go inside and find an inn we could stay on."
He suggested calmly, though the weariness of the journey pressed gently on his shoulders.
"Ugh, finally... We'll be able to sleep in a comfortable bed after a long ti."
Sofia muttered, relief clear in her voice. She let out a quiet sigh, stretching her arms slightly as if the thought alone eased the stiffness in her muscles.
Jerusha, Lycus, Zephyrus, and Pyro shared similar expressions. They were all exhausted from the long journey, the walking, the constant awareness needed to navigate unknown paths, and the nights spent under the open sky.
Even Raye felt the sa deep fatigue. A small smile crept onto his face as he imagined a proper bed waiting for them, blankets soft and warm, a quiet night with no forest sounds to disturb them.
"Kyle and Devin said they have a business partner here, let's find them first."
He added, shifting from personal comfort back to their plan. There was no ti to waste, and their goal required them to move efficiently once inside the village.
And with that, they stepped through the arch together, entering the Rose Village.
*****
Raye and the others did not need to search for long.
The village was quaint, but the streets were alive with activity. Villagers moved about, carrying baskets, chatting, and tending to small shops. The aroma of bread, grilled at, and flowers mingled in the air.
It was at the busiest part of the village that they saw a two-story building that stood out imdiately. The wood of the building was polished, warm under the sun, and above the door hung a plank engraved with a beef skewer— their logo.
"That's it then."
Lycus said, pointing toward the entrance with a small nod.
"Yeah, let's go."
Raye followed closely, walking alongside Lycus. Jerusha and Sofia followed behind, Pyro and Zephyrus resting lightly on their heads.
The two small spirits seed ready to sleep but remained alert to their surroundings just enough to not disturb the walk.
Tok- Tok- Tok-
Raye knocked firmly on the door.
And after a few seconds of silence...
CREAK—
The door opened, revealing a boy in his early teens.
It looks like he had been in the middle of cleaning, and his expression was one of mild surprise as he saw Raye and the others standing there.
"Huh? Who are you people...?"
The boy asked.
And Raye did not hesitate.
Swish~
He took out the plaque given to them by Devin and Kyle and held it forward with confidence.
"We were told to go here."
Raye said.
"...!"
The boy's eyes widened slightly. Recognition flickered across his face upon seeing the plaque. He stepped aside quickly, opening the door wider.
"Please get inside, I'll get the boss."
He said and led them into the building without waiting for a response.
Raye nodded toward his companions, and they followed quietly... Moving into a simple, clean reception room.
"Wait here for a mont, I'll be back!"
The boy exclaid, hurrying out, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
*****
While waiting, Raye and the others looked around. The room was simple but neat. The furniture was arranged efficiently, and the air had a faint, pleasant scent. It was not luxurious, but it was well-kept and inviting.
-ep... I'll nap...
-Go on, kid.
Pyro and Zephyrus had already made themselves comfortable on a soft red sofa, curling up to rest after the long travel.
Then, a mont later—
CREAK-
The door opened again, and a man in his mid-40s entered. His black hair and eyes, neatly trimd facial hair, and calm, mature presence imdiately drew the attention of the group.
"Hello, everyone. My na is Justo, the head of this place."
The man introduced himself.
Raye stepped forward, extending his hand.
"My na is Raye. Then these are my companions— Jerusha, Lycus, Sofia, Zephyrus, and Pyro."
Then he introduced back himself and the others.
Justo shook his hand firmly, acknowledging the group.
"We were told to co here."
Raye presented the plaque with the engraved beef skewer again.
"Yes, and the others were inford of your group. Don't worry, I'll prepare lodgings and necessities for all of you."
And Justo said that as soon as he saw it.
"Is that okay?"
Raye asked, feeling a bit awkward at such a warm reception.
Justo shrugged casually, and opening his mouth—
"We will be paid in helping your group, don't feel sorry and just enjoy our company."
He said that.
"Cole, get them each a room in one of our inns, and tell the workers there to treat them properly and bring them als on ti."
Then without waiting for any reply, he turned to the boy behind him and ordered that.
"Got it!"
The boy responded energetically.
"..."
Raye, Jerusha, Lycus, and Sofia exchanged silent glances. They didn't say anything, but they all have one thing in their minds right now.
'The plaque given to us by Kyle and Devin... It's more powerful than we had thought.'
...
...
...
*****
After Justo ordered the kid, Cole, to guide Raye and the others to a nearby inn they own— he excused himself, telling them that he has work to do.
The group thanked him before he left.
Cole then led them to an inn a few minutes away. And upon getting there—
"The boss said to give them each a room of their own and treat them properly. Cook them sothing good as well."
He imdiately relayed that to the receptionist.
"Right away."
The receptionist imdiately prepared the rooms and assured them of als to co without any question.
And once again, the group were reminded of how great the plaque they have.
Anyway, right now—
Raye and the others are now settled into their own rooms. Zephyrus and Pyro were with Raye.
"Haaaaaa..."
Raye flopped onto the bed, sinking into the comfort.
-Finally, I can sleep more properly...
Zephyrus murmured softly, curling up. He was ready to fall asleep any mont now.
-ep...
Though , on the other hand— Pyro was already snoring quietly, exhausted from the journey.
The three of them are used to camping outside after getting stuck in the rift dungeon before, but that doesn't an hey're comfortable with it.
And Raye, knowing that, just let the two rest.
"I should probably rest as well."
He told to himself as he closed his eyes. And not long...
"..."
He fell into a deep slumber.
The three of them fell asleep literally monts after lying down on a proper bed!
And it's not just them!
Jerusha, Lycus, and Sofia— They're all asleep now in their own room.
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